Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 401(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 267(@300wpm)
My Alek’s body was withered from starvation and bloody from torture. But this Alek looks strong and healthy.
I’ll have to get to know Alek all over again. I can’t just pick up where we left off.
I understand it’s not the same for him. Where I had Vincent to focus on and poured all my energy and love into our son, Alek remained stuck in the past.
I’ll be patient with him, but I can’t promise I’ll fall in love with the man he’s become.
Only time will tell what will happen.
Chapter 33
Alek
I watch as Vincent drifts off to sleep, and I stop reading. Staring at my son’s peaceful face, the love I feel for him fills every corner of my being.
I’ll be the best father I can be, my son. I’ll give you all the love you need. I’ll give you the world.
Everleigh comes to press a kiss on his forehead. “Sweet dreams, baby.”
Getting up from the bed, I place the book on the bedside table and leave the room so I can talk to Alexei.
I find him by the front door, where he’s checking all the locks.
“We need to put up a security system,” he mutters.
“I’ll take care of it tomorrow.” I stop next to him. “You can go home. I’m staying here.”
Alexei lets out a sigh as he locks eyes with me. “Don’t push the girl. She needs time to adjust.”
“I know. I just want to be close to them.”
He nods, then warns, “If you’re not home in time for our walk, and I have to drag your ass out of this house, you’ll regret it.”
I let out a chuckle. “Got it.”
He places his hand on my shoulder and pulls me in for a fatherly hug. “If you can’t control your emotions, call me. Don’t lose your mind around them.”
“I have you on speed dial,” I joke.
He gives me a serious look. “Take it one step at a time. Slow and steady wins the race.”
I nod, then promise, “I won’t do anything stupid.”
“I’ll have one of the guards bring the car back so you have transport.” Alexei takes one last look at me before he leaves the house.
“Alexei,” I call. When he glances over his shoulder, I say, “Thank you for everything.”
“That’s what family is for.”
His words hit me square in the chest.
I watch as he climbs into the G-Wagon, and when he drives off, I shut the front door and lock it.
Just as I turn around, Everleigh comes down the hallway. She glances around, then asks, “Where’s Alexei?”
“He went home.”
Her eyes widen. “He left you here? How will you get home?”
I shake my head. “I’m staying the night.”
“What?” she gasps. “You didn’t think to run that by me before you made the decision?”
Slow and steady, Alek.
Closing the distance between us, I lift my hands and frame her face. “I just want to be close to you tonight. I’ll stay calm.”
“Still.” She pulls away from me. “You can’t just decide you’re staying over.”
The fuck, I can’t.
I take a deep breath to calm myself down. “It’s one night, Everleigh. We have a lot to talk about.”
She lets out a sigh, and walking into the living room, she slumps down on one of the couches.
I take a seat next to her and turn my body to face her. Leaning my side against the back of the couch, I stare at her beautiful face.
“We don’t have to talk,” I murmur. “I’ll be happy with just staring at you.”
Everleigh turns to face me. “No, we have to talk.”
Nodding, I get up and switch off the lights in the kitchen and living room.
“What are you doing?” she asks.
“Getting comfortable for the talk.” I take a seat on the couch again and reach for Everleigh. I pull her onto my lap, and when she straddles me, I take hold of her hand and link our fingers.
“Now we can talk,” I whisper.
Just like we used to do in the dark room. Only this time, I can see her outline with the streetlights shining in through the windows.
We’re silent for a while, just staring at each other. I take the chance to soak in the familiar feel of her.
Eventually, it becomes clear it’s up to me to break the silence, and I ask, “Was it just me?”
“What?” she asks softly.
“Was I the only one who felt the connection in that room?”
She shakes her head. “No, Alek.” She lifts her other hand to my jaw, and I lean into her touch. “Our connection was real. It will always be there.”
“Then why are you pushing me away?”
“I’m not.” I hear her take a deep breath. “I can’t pick up where we left off. Too much has changed.”
“Nothing has changed for me.”
Her hand moves down to the side of my neck. “You’ve changed.” Her voice fills with emotion. “You look different. You’re not as calm as you used to be. It’s like you’re the opposite of what I remember.”